What is a raft in 3d printing?

A raft in 3D printing is a thin, grid-like structure that is printed underneath the actual object being printed. It is used to improve adhesion of the object to the build plate and provide additional support during the printing process. Rafts are typically made of the same material as the object being printed, but with a slightly lower density to make it easier to remove once the print is finished.

Rafts are particularly useful when printing objects with a small surface area that may have trouble sticking to the build plate, or when printing objects with overhanging or intricate details that require extra support. They can also help minimize warping and curling of the object as it cools.

Once the printing is complete, the raft can be easily removed by peeling it off the bottom of the object. Some 3D printing software allow users to adjust the size and density of the raft to suit their specific printing needs.